Press Releases

Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA) has officially reopened its Manatee Rehabilitation Center and welcomed its first new patients of the year—three juvenile manatees named Sabal, Orchid, and Vora. The reopening marks a major milestone for CMA, after more than a year of closure due to extensive hurricane damage, sustaining over $2.5 million in damages from Hurricanes Helene and Milton during the 2024 season.

The beloved Right Whale Festival returns to Main Beach Park on Amelia Island this Nov. 1–2, bringing a weekend packed with fun, education, and conservation-focused activities for all ages. Kicking off at 10 a.m. daily, this year’s festival will feature over 100 exhibitors, live music, hands-on ocean-themed activities, arts and crafts, food trucks, and life-sized whale models provided by Clearwater Marine Aquarium.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium is proud to host the next installment of Echoes of the Ocean: A Marine Life Speaker Series on Tuesday, Nov. 4, at 5:30 to 8 p.m. in the Dolphin Tale Theater. This dynamic evening will feature world-renowned veterinary scientist and right whale expert, Dr. Michael J. Moore, from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium will transform into a Halloween Spookquarium Friday, Oct. 31from 3 – 6 p.m., as it hosts a family-friendly evening of eerie excitement and Halloween fun to create memories with family and friends.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium will present Echoes of the Ocean: A Marine Life Speaker Series, featuring world-renowned dolphin researcher Dr. Randall Wells on Tuesday, Sept. 16, from 6 to 8 p.m. at CMA’s Dolphin Tale Theater.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium announces the return of Lima the sloth for a series of unforgettable weekend meet & greets August and September, offering guests a unique and educational encounter with one of nature’s most fascinating creatures.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium invites guests to a Sea Turtle Shellebration on July 24, a family-friendly event spotlighting the launch of a children’s book written about one of CMA’s resident sea turtles, Stubby. The event will feature longtime CMA volunteer and author, Madison DiLoren, and the debut of a sea turtle-inspired clothing line from local brand Emerson and Friends.